Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after Kyle Gass' Donald Trump joke
In his own apology, Gass called his assassination attempt comment "a terrible mistake"
Stay safe out there, folks; this insane election cycle has the power to break up even the strongest of partnerships. If Tenacious D can put “all future creative plans on hold,” the same could happen to any of us.
The breakup occurred after Kyle Gass, Jack Black’s other half since 1994, made a controversial joke onstage at a concert on Sunday—one day after Donald Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet in Butler, PA. After the Australian crowd sang happy birthday to Gass, Black asked him to “make a wish.” “Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass responded, inciting laughter from the crowd. (The moment was captured in a fan video that has since been deleted by the original poster.)
Black apparently didn’t think the joke was very funny, however. “I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” the comedian wrote on Instagram this morning. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue to Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.” The band had another week of shows scheduled in Australia, before they were due to move to New Zealand.
In response to Black’s statement, Gass posted his own apology on social media. “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake. I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone,” he wrote. “What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement. I profoundly apologize to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”
Black has been a vocal supporter of Biden in the past, and recently appeared in “kick-ass American flag overalls” and a dark Brandon t-shirt to support the president on stage at a highly publicized fundraiser in June. “And when the president wins in November—yeah!—I’m pretty sure I’m going to get a sweet shout out in his victory speech for what I gave up to be here,” he said during that appearance. The same day that Gass made his comment in Australia, Biden called on the American people to “lower the temperature in our politics.”
Tenacious D was also scheduled to play a sold out October concert series for Rock the Vote, a “nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to building the political power of young people.” Presumably, the shows are also cancelled.